Scored some ripstop

**bayou joe** · 03-01-2010, 19:29

Whooooo buddy! Finally found some $1.00 ripstop at WalMart. Really nice looking digital camo. Hard to tell on the weight but guessing 1.1 oz. It looks like it's uncoated but the blow test shows little air penetration. I plan on making a double layer gathered end hammock.

I need some advice on how to sew the two halves together. I'm thinking of sewing one long side completely and maybe leaving one or more openings on the other long side to insert a pad. Any suggestions?

J.

**Dutch** · 03-01-2010, 19:49

For a double layer you can hem one side of each pc. Then sew the other 3 sides together and turn that inside out.

**phatpenguin** · 03-01-2010, 19:55

I did exactly that, both short sides sewn, and one long side, the other long side was sewn together at the head and the foot, but hemed for the middle yard so I can slip a pad in. Works great, I have already had it down below freezing with a sleeping bag and a 3/8 pad.

take a look at risk's Z hammock, I did that except the oposite of his long sides, I did not do the noseum but I wish I had (just have to make another one

)zhammock

**eflat7** · 03-01-2010, 20:06

Good find. I'd bite off a bats head to for a find like that. I just love camo.

**bayou joe** · 03-01-2010, 21:25

Thanks, guys. I'll do a variation of those suggestions. Can't ever do things the same as everyone else.

Does the pad between the layers cut down on pad buckling?

J.

**Peg-Leg** · 03-01-2010, 22:51

Doublecheck your material. It looks just like coated stuff I bought at WM a few months ago. Do a water test and you'll know for sure. Mine is waterproof.

Good to experiment with, but it would be hot as a hammock.

**Randy** · 03-01-2010, 22:57

I found 14 yards of that stuff at Walmart and got all they had.
From the looks of the edge, it looks like it is that 100% nylon fabric.

**bayou joe** · 03-01-2010, 23:50

Just did a water test. Placed it over a glass and made a small depression in the fabric and poured in a couple of teaspoons of water. You could see the water soaking into the fabric and a slow drip started within a few seconds. Looks like I'm good to go.

The ripstop I made my current hammock out of passes that test- no leaks overnight. It has a very slick, shiny surface. I got it at Hancock Fabrics for, I think $4.25 a yard. Might make good tarp material.

**Shug** · 03-01-2010, 23:53

You want the hammock material to breathe ..... it is OK for the water to pass.
Now the tarp ... I made my first tarp out of rip-stop... water tested it .... it leaked like a sieve.
My tears fell. I gutted up. Ordered silnylon from Speer Hammocks. Made a new one. It looked better anyhow.
Shug

**bayou joe** · 03-02-2010, 00:02

Originally Posted by Shug

You want the hammock material to breathe ..... it is OK for the water to pass.
Now the tarp ... I made my first tarp out of rip-stop... water tested it .... it leaked like a sieve.
My tears fell. I gutted up. Ordered silnylon from Speer Hammocks. Made a new one. It looked better anyhow.
Shug

I can vouch for wanting it to breath. My current hammock does not breath and it is not fun in warm South Louisiana.

Shug, you made the tarp and THEN tested it for waterproofness?! How could you?

J.